Party list Gabriela vows to step it up

MANILA, Philippines—Representatives of the women’s party-list group Gabriela thanked their supporters for their victory in the recent elections and pledged to step up their advocacy of women’s rights, as well as those of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Filipinos in Congress.

Gabriela Representatives Luz Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus said they wanted to leave a legacy of stronger laws to protect women and LGBTs in the country and overseas.

In a statement, Ilagan and De Jesus said they would also “actively oppose moves to privatize government hospitals and persist in the fight against the high prices of oil, utilities and basic commodities, and… continue to oppose foreign intervention and rise against poverty and violence.”

Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) was among the 14 party-list groups proclaimed winners in the May 13 elections by the Commission on Elections.

“We, in Gabriela Women’s Party, profusely thank all our members, campaign workers, supporters and voters for giving us once again the opportunity to continue the legacy of GWP’s advocacy for the rights of women, children, overseas Filipino workers and LGBTs in Congress.

“Despite limited resources, women community leaders creatively used various means to mobilize support,” they said.

“The 2013 elections had been very challenging amid widespread harassment and black propaganda by the Aquino administration and its lapdogs.  Massive irregularities, anomalies and the lack of transparency marred the elections. Even as we emerge victors, we continue to question the reduced vote turnout for progressive party lists and Makabayan senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño,” the statement said.—Kaiza Marie Nawal, Inquirer Mindanao